Why Choose Puerto Vallarta
Why choose Puerto Vallarta?
Aside from short local trips, many of us have not ventured too far from home for two years. As we got vaccinated. As infection rates started to peak. It was time to get back out there and see the world.
After a prolonged winter, sitting in my home office staring out at snowstorms and freezing rain I knew it was time. I had been poking around on websites trying to figure out where to go. Then some friends messaged me and said they were heading to Puerto Vallarta for two months. They had an extra room for anyone to rent in their Airbnb.
Reasons to Choose Puerto Vallarta
In earlier blogs, I wrote about my decision-making process on where I might vacation. Puerto Vallarta ticked all the boxes at this point in time.
- I was familiar with the city as I had been there for a few days 5 years ago and liked the city and was comfortable there.
- My travel goal was to go somewhere warm with a beach and cold beverages.
- There were going to be people there that I knew and could lean on if needed.
- There was a direct flight(s)
- The terrain near the coast is relatively flat.
The next step was to “google map” where my friends were staying. While their view overlooking the city looked awesome, they were up in the hills. I think that they told me that there were over 200 stair steps to get up the hill to their street.
My arthritic knee shot me some pain to say that this would not be an option. So, I scoured the internet, mixing and matching flights, hotels, tour group packages and so on. I finally found what I wanted through Air Canada Vacations.
You can also look for flights and packages here.
But first, let’s learn a little about Puerto Vallarta.
A Brief History of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851 by a group of 50 families from the state of Jalisco. They settled near the Boca de Tomatlán, where they built their homes and began to cultivate the land
The town was originally called Puerto de las Peñas but was renamed Puerto Vallarta in 1918 in honor of Ignacio L. Vallarta, governor of Jalisco at the time. Puerto Vallarta began to develop rapidly in the 1930s when film director John Huston chose it as the filming location for his movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
This put Puerto Vallarta on the map, and it soon became a popular tourist destination for Hollywood celebrities and wealthy travellers from all over the world.
Puerto Vallarta continued to grow in the 1970s and 1980s, as more and more people discovered its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. In the 1990s, Puerto Vallarta underwent a major transformation, with the construction of new hotels, resorts, and residential developments
Today, Puerto Vallarta is a thriving city with a vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and an array of activities and attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Travel Must Haves
The Geography of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is found on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. The city is situated between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with a long coastline that stretches for over 20 miles. Puerto Vallarta is divided into two main areas: the Romantic Zone (also known as Old Town) and Marina Vallarta.
The Romantic Zone is the historic center of Puerto Vallarta, where you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colonial-style buildings, and a lively atmosphere. This is the perfect place to explore on foot and soak up the local culture.
Marina Vallarta is a newer area of Puerto Vallarta that was developed in the 1980s. Here you’ll find luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and a large marina. Marina Vallarta is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation.
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 18-32 degrees Celsius. The city experiences two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). Puerto Vallarta receives the majority of its rainfall during the wet season, but even in the rainy months, there are usually plenty of sunny days.
Zona Romantico
I, personally, gravitate to this part of the city. I love the old architecture. The narrow streets filled with homes and shops. There are tons of restaurants and bars of all types and for all people.
Here is a caution for those of us with mobility issues. The sidewalks on some streets can be very uneven and the curbs can be very high. Many of the streets are cobblestoned. Bring a cane if you have one.
The other alternative would be a resort in Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. Many are all-inclusive with pools and beach access. These resorts may be your best choice if mobility is an issue for you.
Hotel Tropicana was built in the 1950s and is one of the oldest hotels in Puerto Vallarta. The hotel is located in the heart of the Romantic Zone, just steps away from the beach. Hotel Tropicana has a laid-back atmosphere and is popular with both locals and visitors.
The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a sun deck, a restaurant, and a bar. Hotel Tropicana also offers Complimentary Wi-Fi for guests (in the lobby only).
The hotel backs right onto the beach. For a few pesos, you can rent a pergola on the beach and pass the day reading, people watching or partaking in the beverage of your choice.
Now I will be frank, Tropicana is a 3-star hotel. The amenities are few and far between. But the price is right, the staff is great, and its location is a great jumping-off point to restaurants and entertainment.
The view, if you get the right room, on the other hand, can be nothing short of spectacular. You can sit on the balcony and watch spectacular sunsets. The architecture reminds me of an old-time black and white movie.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of things to do in the city. Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone, from exploring the old town to relaxing on the beach.
Some of the most popular tourist activities in Puerto Vallarta include:
– Visiting Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town
– Going on a Boat Tour
– Taking a Cooking Class
– Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches
– Hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains
– zip-lining through the jungle
Now depending on what time of year that, you are there, I would recommend:
- A whale-watching expedition
- A day trip to San Sebastian Del Oeste
I did the whale-watching on both my trips and San Sebastian on the first trip 5 years ago. But both are great ways to see the nature around Puerto Vallarta and get a better understanding of the local history.
Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Useful Travel Gadgets
My Two Favourite Restaurants
As I have stated there are many restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of the Hotel Tropicana. If I go back to a restaurant more than once, it is worth recommending.
- Derby City Burgers. This restaurant is located about five minutes from the Tropicana. It is all outdoor seating under a canopy in case of rain.
As you may have guessed, their specialty is burgers. The menu primarily consists of 10 – 15 burgers but there are other items. They also make great smoothy drinks.
On my first trip to the restaurant, I had the Burger and Jam. This was excellent. The meat was pleasantly spiced and topped with an onion jam which contrasted the burger with a light sweetness.
On my next trip, I order the regular burger with bacon and cheese. Again, it was excellent but I missed that sweet onion jam.
- Café Bohemio. To get to the Derby City Burgers, you have to pass by the Café Bohemio. I meet up with some friends one afternoon and we decided to check the Bohemio out.
I would classify the food as home made comfort food. After their chicken tortilla soup which was delicious, I had their meatloaf while my friends tried their liver and onions.
The portions were ample and we all agreed the food was some of the best we had while in Puerto Vallarta.
If in PV, I would recommend checking these restaurants out!
Walking the Malecon
The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta’s oceanfront promenade. The Malecon runs for nearly 2 kilometres along the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta. The promenade is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, people watch, or just enjoy the ocean views.
Along the, or just off the Malecon, you will find restaurants and kiosks which sell everything from local kitschy items to more luxury goods. If you are a haggler, this is your paradise.
On the weekends, the central plaza off the Malecon hosts a farmers’ market where you can buy everything from farm products to ponchos. Check with your hotel to see if the market is in season during your stay.
Conclusion
Why Puerto Vallarta
My recommendation on Puerto Vallarta is go. If you are on a limited budget, there are many ways to save money and still relax. But on the other hand, if you want to splurge check out one of the all-inclusive resorts. Check here for different types of accommodation packages. A quick note here: Cirque de Soleil is apparently building a resort in Nuevo Vallarta. I think the open date was 2023 or 2024. It might be worth the wait.
Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit for seniors. It has something for everyone. If you are looking for a place to relax, there are plenty of resorts. If you want to be more active, there are plenty of activities. Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit for seniors.
